Improvement in washing-machines



PATENT GEEIcE.

WILLIAM LFNVIS, OF VEBSTER, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN WASHING-MACHINES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 116,971, dated July 1l, 1871.

To all whom it may concern.-

Beit known that I, WILLIAM LEwIs, of Webster, iii the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Washing-Machines, of which the following is a specification:

This invention consists in combining with the presser or follower a bar which is adjustable up or down on the standards of the presser, and serves to revolve the contents in addition to acting as a secondary pressing-block.

In the drawing, Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section. Fig. 2 is a perspective view ofthe presser or follower.

A represents the concave or bed, and B the follower. The former has a corrugated washing surface, a, and also an outlet, I), with a valve, c, sliding over it outside. lt is also provided with a hand-board, d., for ordinary rubbing. The presser or follower consists of an axis, f, resting in bearings g g, to which axis is connected the handle l1J by bars t' 1'., and also the standards k k, which bear the corrugated block D. Braces l Z connect the upper and lower parts, and a crossslat, m, connects the standards. Thus far the construction is ordinary. The bar C is Ina-de to slide upon the standards k k by means of niortises, through which the standards pass loosely. Set-screws p ppass through the rear side of this bar, and thus secure it to the standards in any desired position up or down. The forward projection of this bar is somewhat less than that of block D, and its face is corrugated in the saine manner.

This adjustable bar serves a triple purpose: First, it acts as an auxiliary presser with block D to wash the clothes, and by standing back or having' less projection than the block, produces an alternate squeezing effect as the clothes roll over and over; second, it acts as a revolver to the mass of clothing' being washed; and, third, it serves as a barrier to prevent the clothes falling back over the presser.

The adjustability higher or lower` of this bar is of niuch'iinportance, as it is thereby adapted to act upon a heavy or light body ot' clothes; for instance, in washing Vcarpets or other heavy goods it is necessary to raise it higher than in washing ordinary clothes. This adjustability I consider an essential part of my invention.

A wringer may be attached to the side of the inachine when desired.

What 1 claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The adjustable bar G, sliding upon the standards 7c k, and held by screws or pins, when coinbined with the presser B and concave A, in the manner and for the purpose specied.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 11th day .of February, 1871.

WM. LEWIS. Witnesses:

R. F. OsGooD, C. N. WooDWARD. 

